CHRISTIANITY AND SOCIALISM.

[By Robert Blatchford, in London 'Clarion.']

I am told by men who should know, that the essence of Christ's teaching and the foundation of real Christianity is the Sermon on the Mount. How many of those who attack Socialism because of their faith in Christianity believe the Sermon on the Mount? They dread Socialism because they think it would destroy Christianity. And they defend and uphold a state of society and a system of politics and commerce which are more anti-Christian than anything the most atheistic Socialist has ever dreamed of. Let us take the Sermon on the Mount as a test, and find out who are the 'infidels.'

But woe unto you that are rich ! For ye have received your consolation. Woe unto you that are full ! For ye shall hunger.

But I say unto you which hear, love your enemies, do good to them which hate you.

Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other ; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.

Give to every man that asketh of thee, and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest; for He is kind unto the unthankful and the evil.

Ah ! Who ?

Herald 7 December 1907,